Africa-Press – Namibia. TO mark the occasion of the 76th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence on 17August, as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations with Namibia, Indonesia’s ambassador, Wisnu Edi Pratignyo, hosted a reception at the Hilton Hotel’s ballroom last week.
Pratignyo welcomed deputy minister of international relations and cooperation Jenelly Matundu as the guest of honour, and introduced the theme of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations as ‘Resilient Indonesia, Growing Indonesia’.
The theme underscores the country’s unyielding spirit, as Indonesians move forward on a challenging road to achieve a better future, the ambassador said.
Pratignyo has served as the Indonesian ambassador to Namibia for one year, and highlighted Namibia and Indonesia’s enduring bond. “Over three decades, Indonesia and Namibia have developed a partnership and friendship founded on shared interests and mutual respect,” he said.
“Our countries have a strong political bond, and we share common views on international issues, such as peace and security, human rights, decolonisation, sustainable development, and climate change,” he said.
“Our two countries have a strong determination to continue playing active and constructive roles in supporting the interests of developing countries, and enhancing south-south cooperation through the New Asia Africa Strategic Partnership.”
Describing Namibia and Indonesia as partners rather than competitors, Pratignyo said the countries’ trade relations have not reached their full potential yet. The Covid-19 pandemic has further decreased trade volumes between the two countries, he said.
Indonesia has a population of over 270 million people, the fourth largest in the world, and Pratignyo expressed his hope that Namibia may soon export abalone, crayfish and lobster from Lüderitz to his country.
The Indonesian embassy recently hosted a forum at the coastal town to explore business opportunities between the two nations. Indonesia and Namibia have signed a number of bilateral agreements, including cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, marine resources, and tourism.
“Bilateral relations between Namibia and Indonesia are excellent although more needs to be done to further explore the huge potential of our two countries, particularly in the areas of agriculture, housing, tourism, trade, infrastructure development, logistics, and education,” Matundu said.
“Namibia and Indonesia share in the principal of reciprocity, which was demonstrated through the granting of the 30-day visa-free visit to all Namibian nationals who travel to Indonesia in 2018, after which Namibia returned the favour to Indonesia.”
Though the pandemic has slowed some of the countries’ technical cooperation, Matundu expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s ministry of education and culture’s capacity-building KNB scholarships.
“Namibia has been actively participating in various training programmes and scholarships in Indonesia, including microfinance, aquaculture and agriculture,” said Matundu.
“We are thankful that Indonesia continues to complement our efforts to impart the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable Namibians to positively contribute to the development of our country.”
The official programme ended with a toast to the countries’ two heads of state, and to the continued friendship between the nations. Invited guests were treated to a sampling of Indonesian cuisine, and were entertained with traditional kolintang and tari piring (plate dance) performances before the close of the evening.
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